• Research in Community and Public Health Nursing
• /
• v.24 no.3
• /
• pp.346-357
• /
• 2013

Purpose: This study was conducted to examine an exercise program using a lay health leader for elderly participants. The test covered physical fitness (grip strength, static balance and complex movement abilities), depression, cognitive function and quality of life. Methods: A quasi- experimental study using a non-equivalent control group pre-post design was employed. The participants were 62 elders from an institution for the aged, of whom 30 were included in the experimental group and 32 in the control group. The exercise program using a resident volunteer as a lay health leader was run three times a week for 12 weeks. The collected data were analyzed by $x^2$ test, t-test, paired t-test, and ANCOVA with SPSS/WIN 19.0. Results: After the program, left grip strength (F=1.77, p<.001), right grip strength (F=9.97, p<.001), static balance (F=2.79, p<.001), ability to move complex (F=1.76, p<.001), depression (F=7.66, p<.001), the cognitive function (F=8.39, p<.001) and quality of life (F= 1.08, p<.001) in the experimental group were significantly better than those in the control group. Conclusion: Study findings indicated that using a resident volunteer as a lay health leader was effective. It can be recommended as a public health resource and for consistent and comfortable education for the elderly in communities.

• Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
• /
• v.26 no.4
• /
• pp.91-103
• /
• 2009

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of a 8-week compound exercise and a home-based walking exercise on body composition, perceived health status, and stress of nursing students. Methods: A non-equivalent control group design with pre-post test was employed. Participants, having BMI below 23 and Percent Body Fat above 26%, were assigned to three groups; 21 for the compound exercise(A), 26 for the walking exercise(B), and 23 for the control group. For data analysis, ANOVA in SPSS was used. Results: Body Fat Mass(kg), Visceral Fat Area(cm2), and Percent Body Fat(%) of both group A and B were significantly decreased. Lean Body Mass(kg) and Fitness Score of both group A and B were significantly increased in comparing with the control group. Especially the score of PBF(%) in group A was significantly decreased than the group B. The perceived physical health status in both group A and B was significantly increased. Conclusion: Both 8-week compound exercise and walking exercise were effective in enhancing BFM(kg), VFA($cm^2$), PBF(%), LBM(kg), Fitness Score and perceived physical health status. Especially the Compound exercise program was much more effective in decreasing PBF(%) than the walking exercise program.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
• /
• v.20 no.4
• /
• pp.433-439
• /
• 2007

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the body composition, health status, and dietary behaviors of middle-aged women in a weight control program at a community health center. The study subjects were 66 middle-aged women who lived in Ansan city, and they participated in the program for 24 weeks. Anthropometries, blood pressure, and serum biochemical indices were measured. These measurements were taken both before and after the weight control program, and the data were analyzed using the SPSS 12.0 program. Weight, fat mass, body fat %, and the waist-hip ratio all decreased. According to the decreases in body fat %, blood pressure, serum biochemical indices and dietary behaviors were improved after the weight control program. Thus, this study demonstrated the desirable changes of a weight control program offered at a community health center, for health conditions and physical fitness.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
• /
• v.35 no.2
• /
• pp.107-115
• /
• 2002

Objectives : To evaluate the effects of a strengthening exercise program on the physical activity, activities of daily living(ADL), social behavior and functional performance of the elderly in a home for the aged. Methods : We administered a survey questionnaire that consisted of questions to establish general characteristics, health habits and status, physical activity, ADL, and social behavior. Additionally, a physical fitness and functional performance examination was peformed on subjects who were 65 years old or older. Study subjects numbered 33 in the experimental group and 35 in the control group. For intervention, we used a strengthening exercise program of the upper and lower limbs for 12 weeks(5 times/week) using dumbbells and lead-packed weights. Results : After the strengthening exercise program, the scores of physical activity and social behavior were significantly higher than the control group and the before exercise measurements. Moreover, the variables of functional performance were significantly higher than in the control group or the before exercise records. Conclusion : These results Indicate that a strengthening exercise program can improve the score of physical activity, ADL and social behavior, as well as decrease the time(sec) of functional performance of the elderly in a home for the aged.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
• /
• v.12 no.2
• /
• pp.141-153
• /
• 2024

Purpose : This study aimed to determine the effects of a 12-week program of beta-glucan intake and muscle strengthening exercises on the body composition, physical fitness, blood lipids, insulin and insulin resistance of adult women. Methods : For this study, 45 adult women were selected and divided into two groups : the experimental group (n= 25), which received a combination of beta-glucan and strength exercise, and the control group (n= 20), which received only strength exercise. The program was conducted for 50 minutes three times a week for 12 weeks. Results : Several significant differences were found in both groups pre-to post program. First, in both groups, there were significant differences in hip circumferences (p<.05). Second, the results showed significant improvements in left grip strength and sit-ups achieved (p<.05), right grip strength (p<.001). Third although the results show no significant post-program differences in either group, there was a significant pre-to post-program difference in free fatty acids in both groups (p<.05). Fourth, the results show no significant differences in insulin or insulin resistance in either group, nor do they show any significant differences between the groups. Conclusion : The above results indicate that both groups exhibited decreased hip circumference and increased muscle strength (left grip strength) and muscle endurance. Furthermore, they indicate that when the beta-glucan intake and exercises were combined, the effects were more pronounced. Finally, because both groups exhibited significant increases in fat-free mass, muscle mass, skeletal muscle mass, muscle strength (right grip strength), and coordination as well as decreases in free fatty acids, it can be concluded that both the combined program of beta-glucan intake and exercise and a program of exercise alone can positively affect these outcomes.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
• /
• v.34 no.1
• /
• pp.77-84
• /
• 2024

Objectives: Interventions promoting physical exercise and healthy habits in workplaces have been shown to be effective in reducing risk factors for metabolic syndrome. This study was conducted to examine the effects of an individualized conditioning exercise program of IT company office workers with or at higher risk of metabolic syndrome. Methods: A total of 444 IT company office workers with or at higher risk of metabolic syndrome participated in a 3-month conditioning exercise program. Body composition data using bioelectrical impedance analysis and cardiopulmonary data using cardiopulmonary exercise testing from 53 individuals (mean age: 34.8 ± 7.1 years, sex : 21% female, height : 170.4 ± 6.8 cm, weight : 75.2±12.2 kg, body mass index : 25.8±3.3 kg/m²) who have successfully completed pre-test, intervention, and post-test were analyzed. The 12 weeks intervention encompassed: (1) health counseling (2) supervised exercise(endurance-based, aerobic exercise, or circuit training once a week for 50 minutes at heart rate reserve(HRR) of 77-95%) (3) self-directed exercise and biweekly health screening checks. Results: The results indicated a significant decrease in body weight, body fat mass and body mass index, respectively. Moreover, VO₂peak, AT VO₂ and AT Time significantly improved, respectively. Resting blood pressure(SBP/DBP) showed positive changes but were not statistically significant. We observed the correlation between characteristics of participants and rate of changes in cardiopulmonary outcomes of participants, there are no significant correlation. These results indicate positive changes in body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness parameters following individualized conditioning exercise program. Conclusions: Individualized workplace exercise program for preventing metabolic syndrome can lead to improvements in body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness.

• Journal of muscle and joint health
• /
• v.16 no.2
• /
• pp.116-124
• /
• 2009

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a Tai Chi exercise program on physical function and physiological variables in patients with degenerative arthritis. Methods: The study utilized a nonequivalent control group with pretest-posttest design. Data collection was done with the elders from two welfare institutions in C-city between July I and September 22, 2007. The participants were assigned either to an experimental group (n=24) or to a control group (n=22). The experimental group participated in Tai Chi exercise for 60 minutes per session, twice a week for 12 weeks and the control group received the education about arthritis for 3 weeks. Results: Except for $VO_2max$, weight, and body fat rate, the elders in the experimental group showed significant improvement in physical function (grip strength, flexibility, balance), and physiological variables (BP) compared to the control group. Conclusion: The results suggest that Tai Chi exercise would partially improve physical function, and physiological variables. Further studies are needed to determine the effects on physical fitness and physiological variables after Tai Chi exercise in this population.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
• /
• v.16 no.2
• /
• pp.81-90
• /
• 2021

PURPOSE: Aging causes a decrease in muscle mass and a change in posture, which reduces motor function and makes it difficult to perform daily activities independently. As these factors are closely related to the deterioration of the quality of life, it is very important to prevent and manage negative changes in the musculoskeletal system. Forest healing is a nature therapy course that maintains and promotes health using various environmental factors in a forest. The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of the forest healing anti-aging programs on the physical health of the elderly. METHODS: Ten elderly people participated in this study, as part of a forest healing anti-aging program for two days. Functional fitness, muscle strength, gait function, and balance were evaluated before and after the program. RESULTS: The number of arm curls, chair stands, and steps in a 2-min walk significantly increased (p < .05). 8-feet up & go time was significantly decreased (p < .05). Biceps brachii, quadriceps femoris, and calf muscle strength were significantly increased (p < .05). Gait velocity and cadence were significantly increased (p < .05). Step length, stride length, step time, swing time, stance time, and cycle time were significantly decreased (p < .05). Reaching distance in the lateral directions was significantly increased (p < .05). CONCLUSION: The forest healing anti-aging program improves the physical health of the elderly.

• Journal of Korean Public Health Nursing
• /
• v.24 no.1
• /
• pp.39-48
• /
• 2010

Purpose: To examine the effects of a 36-week resistance training program on body composition, fitness and blood lipid profiles in the obese elderly. Method: fourteen subjects were assigned into the resistance training group. The 12-16 exercise sessions were performed for 60min with 15-25 repetitions twice per week for 36 weeks. Data were analyzed by paired t-test with SPSS version 12.0 for Windows. Results: Significant changes were evident in weight (t=5.983, p<.001), body mass index (t=5.922, p<.001), % body fat (t=3.480, p=.004), and fat free mass (t=-2.592, p=.022). Concerning exercises, no significance was noted for back scratch (t=-1.814, p=.093), but were for 2-min step (t=-3.075, p=.009), arm curl (t=-2.223, p=.045), chair stand (t=-3.671, p=.003), chair sit and reach (t=-2.508, p=.026), and 8-ft up and go (t=5.545, p<.001). No significant changes were evident in total cholesterol (t=1.189, p=.279), and total glucose (t=0.689, p=.517), while the change in high-density lipoprotein was significant (t=3.535, p=.012). Conclusion: The 36-week resistance training program enhanced body composition and physical fitness, but not blood lipid profiles in obese elderly subjects.

• Research in Community and Public Health Nursing
• /
• v.19 no.4
• /
• pp.704-714
• /
• 2008

Purpose: This study explored the feasibility of a 12 week self-efficacy based exercise intervention for overweight and obese college students. Method: A repeated measure, 4-group randomized controlled design was used. Students were recruited from two universities. in Seoul. Korea using: (1) flyers either on the campus bulletin boards or in campus restrooms: (2) advertisement on campus e-board: and (3) self-referral. Inclusion criteria were: (1) Korean college students aged 18 to 29: (2) BMI >23: (3) viscerally obese: and (4) accessible to a phone and a computer. Participants completed three self-reported questionnaires: socio-demographic questionnaire (at the baseline), Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale (at the baseline and $12^{th}$ week), and Physical Fitness sub-subscale (at the baseline and $12^{th}$ week). Additionally. physiological data (height, weight, blood pressure) were collected at the baseline and $12^{th}$ week. Descriptive statistics and a two-way mixed ANOVA were performed using SPSS12.0. Results: No significant group difference was observed. However. students with increased exercise self-efficacy during the program showed better physical fitness in the $12^{th}$ week. When students' physical fitness was enhanced. the physiological factors were improved. Conclusions: Self-efficacy based exercise intervention may be applicable and acceptable to the college students. It is necessary to conduct a replicated study with a larger sample and an elongated intervention period.